? Split Fiction, the latest offering from Hazelight Studios, demonstrates once again why the studio is a masterclass in cooperative gaming. The team behind the award-winning It Takes Two have created yet another must-play two-player adventure, this time following aspiring authors Zoe and Mio — one a bubbly fantasy writer, and the other a reserved sci-fi novelist.

They find themselves trapped inside a machine designed by a nefarious tech corporation to extract and steal their creative ideas. As Zoe and Mio hop between fantasy realms and sci-fi landscapes, players are treated to an ever-changing parade of gameplay experiences. One moment you’re racing hovercars through neon-lit cyberpunk highways, and the next you’re transforming into magical creatures in an enchanted forest. The game refuses to settle into a single genre or mechanic, constantly reinventing itself with each new section.

The gameplay mechanics build upon It Takes Two’s already solid foundation, offering accessible but engaging traversal that focuses on momentum and timing instead of punishing precision. Like its predecessor, what makes Split Fiction special is its meticulous focus on genuine cooperation. Unlike many co-op games where players can operate independently in a shared space, Split Fiction demands constant communication and coordination.

Beyond the main campaign, Split Faction is peppered with optional side quests that flip between the fantasy and sci-fi genres, providing refreshing palate cleansers between major story beats, and showcase Hazelight’s boundless creativity and willingness to embrace the absurd. But if the game has any shortcomings, it lies in the storytelling. While the central characters are likeable enough, their personal arcs follow predictable trajectories that occasionally interrupt the gameplay flow with heavy-handed exposition — there’s no subtlety in their themes about creativity, friendship, and corporate exploitation.

Despite these minor issues, Split Fiction pushes the boundaries of what co-op gaming can be, offering a rollercoaster of gameplay ideas and styles that stay fresh and exciting throughout. Whether you’re playing with a partner, friend, or family member, Split Fiction makes a compelling case for the unique joy of shared play and collaborative problem solving.

? Rating: 9.5/10.

⌛ Hours of gameplay: 10-14 hours.

? Platforms: Steam for PC, Playstation, and Xbox.

? Price: USD 49.99

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